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Apps and online care

OxfordVR gameChange vs 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

They differ on 10 of 10 things we check. No winner here: the better one is the one that fits what you need and how you'd pay.

OxfordVR gameChange

gameChange is VR therapy where a virtual coach helps you practise going into places like shops and buses that you have been avoiding.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

If you are thinking about suicide or are in emotional crisis, you can call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org, at any time.

Where they differ

Kind of help
OxfordVR gameChange: An app I use on my own
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Not stated
Good for
OxfordVR gameChange: Adults and young people (16+) with psychosis in England who rarely leave home because of anxiety; NHS mental health teams looking for VR-guided exposure therapy their patients can use with staff support
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Anyone having thoughts of suicide or in emotional crisis, right now; Someone worried about a friend or family member who may be in crisis
Probably not for
OxfordVR gameChange: People in the US or outside the NHS: it is not sold to the public and has no FDA clearance
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Life-threatening medical emergencies or immediate danger: call 911
Cost
OxfordVR gameChange: Through NHS services only; organisations contact the vendor
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Free
How you pay
OxfordVR gameChange: Through work or school
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Free
Where
OxfordVR gameChange: Not stated
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Web
Research
OxfordVR gameChange: Some research support
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Limited research
Privacy
OxfordVR gameChange: Not graded
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Grade B
Sells your data
OxfordVR gameChange: Not stated
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: No
HIPAA
OxfordVR gameChange: No
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Not stated

In crisis or thinking about suicide? In the US, call or text 988. This page is information from our reviews, not medical advice.